Michael Owen Biography

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Michael Owen's quick footwork and soft scoring touch have made him one of the most feared strikers in European soccer. He's helped Liverpool contend for the 2002 English Premiership title and should be one of the biggest stars at soccer's 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

The first soccer team Michael Owen played on was his elementary school team in Wales when he was 11. His first season, Michael rewrote the league's record books and had already begun attracting scouts from several of the Welsh professional teams. The next year, 1991, Michael Owen was invited to play for England's under-15 team. He again turned the heads of scouts everywhere by setting a new team goal scoring record. When Michael Owen was 17, Liverpool signed Michael to a professional contract and things took off from there.

In just four years as a professional, Michael Owen has scored more than 100 goals for Liverpool - including the winner in the 2001 FA Cup. He's already considered one of the best strikers in the history of English soccer. In a qualifying match for the 2002 World Cup, Michael Owen scored three goals in a 5-1 butt-kicking of Germany. The hat-trick helped Michael win the 2001 European Football of the Year - the first time a English player had won the award in 22 years.

Despite being just 5'8 and 150 pounds, Michael Owen is expected to be a huge factor at the 2002 World Cup. Soccer legend, Pele says, "There is no doubt that Michael Owen can become the best in the world. He is still young but he has experience and he is quick."

More Michael Owen

Michael Owen owns a Staffordshire Bull Terrier named Bomber.

His nickname is Midget Gem because of his size.

Michael Owen could have also played soccer for Wales, because he grew up there, or for Scotland because he has Scottish ancestry.